I am joining the Disability March because the rights of all Americans are important and should be respected. Our representatives at every level of government need to recognize that the reason they are in office is not for their individual political goals or potential financial gain; it is to represent the needs of ALL of their constituents. Regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristics that could be used to divide and separate us, all Americans are important. All who work deserve to be paid sufficiently for them to live and support their families, and to be paid equally to others doing equivalent work. All deserve an education that will help them to be successful adults in our society. All deserve proper accommodation of their needs. All deserve to be prioritized over helping employers try to wring a few more dollars out of their efforts. All deserve to have health care that is affordable and accessible; none should live in fear that medical bills will wipe their family out financially. And all deserve to not be sterotyped, mocked, or treated as if it’s alright to abuse them.
I have dealt with fibromyalgia and degenerative disks for over 20 years, with severe pain all over my body, difficulty sleeping, digestive issues, joint problems, feeling foggy headed, and much more. I have fought breast cancer twice, which added more permanent difficulties from surgery, chemo, and radiation. More medical issues have cropped up over time, which also complicate the original ones.
I still want the same things as everyone else does: love, family, friends, security, rewarding work, self expression, and hope for the future. For all its difficulties, I want a life well lived.
Disability March 